Hornell in Steuben County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hornell Public Library
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 21, 2022
1. Hornell Public Library Marker
This property has been placed on the
National Register of Historic Places
by the United States Department of the Interior
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries, and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.
Location. 42° 19.683′ N, 77° 39.45′ W. Marker is in Hornell, New York, in Steuben County. It is at the intersection of Genesee Street and Hakes Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Genesee Street. The marker is mounted directly on the Hornell Public Library, on the right side of the south/front staircase. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 64 Genesee Street, Hornell NY 14843, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York, specifically in Western New York, and in the Southern Tier. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Anna Cadogan Etz (a few steps from this marker); Hornellsville Veterans Memorial (approx. Ό mile away); Ruth Law (approx. half a mile away); Oldest House in Steuben County (approx. 3.3 miles away); Hurlbut House (approx. 4.7 miles away); French Occupation
this page online
Regarding Hornell Public Library. National Register of Historic Places № 75001230.
From the National Register Nomination prepared by Ellen T. McDougall, 7/2/1972:
When the Hornell Library Association applied to the Carnegie Association for a gift in 1903, there was already a library in existence in town. Founded in 1868, by a group of young men, the Hornell Library Association had grown steadily through the years. However, this growth had resulted in frequent moves to larger quarters. At various times in its history, the collection was housed in an opera house, a private residence and an office. Yet by 1902, the members of the Association realized that a building specifically designed for library purposes was needed. The next year Carnegie awarded $25,000 to the village for a new building, but stipulated that the village supply a lot, $2,500 per annum for maintenance costs and a full-time librarian.
The decision of whether to accept this offer rested with the City's Common Council. For five years the issue was debated. The struggleended in 1908 when the Genesee site was purchased.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 21, 20222. Hornell Public Library MarkerThe marker is on the right side of the front entrance staircase.
A New York City architect, Edward L. Tilton, had been recommended by the Trustees of the Carnegie Fund to the Town of Hornell. Tilton had created the open plan of library design which consisted of open bookshelves on the first floor with stacks below. This was the plan he used in Hornell. The contracting work was done by a local firm named Messr. Fahy & Prentiss.
Since its dedication in 1911, this library has served the Town of Hornell and the Canisteo Valley as an institution providing educational, social and cultural events. Still in use today, the library offers a wider range of services than in the past, such as stereo tapes, records and fine art prints. Just as in the past, the Hornell Library continues to function as a focus for the cultural life of the community.
The Hornell Public Library is constructed of white pressed brick with masonry trim. The front (Genesee Street) facade is 5 bays with an imposing entrance in the center. Two sets of arched windows flank the doorway which is also set beneath an arch. Intricately detailed brackets support the double hipped roof of the building. Other decorative elaborations include four large medallions.
The interior of the building reflects the symmetry of the exterior; a reading room and a reference room flank the main front entrance. Two large fan windows are in theentrance foyer and two fireplaces topped with oak mantles flank the open book stacks. The interior space has an airy quality created via the use of three skylights and four arched windows in each of the two reading rooms. Generally, the decorative tone of the interior is rich. Dark oak wood is used in trimming the doorways, windows and skylights. This majestic quality is further enhanced by the presence of large oak colonnades.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 21, 20223. Hornell Public Library (southwest elevation)
Also see . . . Hornell Public Library (Wikipedia).
Excerpt: The Hornell Public Library was designed in 1908 and dedicated in 1911, with funds provided by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. It is one of 3,000 such libraries constructed between 1885 and 1919. Carnegie provided $25,000 toward the construction of the Hornell library. It is a one-story, five bay structure built of white pressed brick with masonry trim. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.(Submitted on December 16, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 21, 2022
4. Hornell Public Library (southeast elevation)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 21, 2022
5. Hornell Public Library (south/front elevation)
Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 16, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
